I can't see the centreboard line anywhere topsides leading me to conclude that it may have disappeared down the hole....
A couple of questions --- apart from the obvious one as to who is going to come over with a 12 bore and put me out of muy misery:
Is there a simple way of retrieving the line without unstepping the mast?
Will there be any line trailing underwater to foul the outboard?
Any other advice would be most welcome. Or, indeed, an intrepid volunteer to help me fix the problem (I'm in Hythe).
All the very best
Stu
26X, yes?
Sounds like the centreboard has swung down and taken the line with it. The only way to fit a new line is drop it down from the top. But that means getting under the boat to attach it to the board, a mite tricky when afloat!
And yes, the original line will trail back from the board and could well foul the prop.
The simplest solution would be to get the boat lifted out on a sling crane, don't know if that's feasible where you are. Perhaps even tow it to the crane to avoid outboard problems. It's then easy for someone on the boat to drop a line down and someone on the ground to attach it, removing the old one.
It can be done on the trailer but is more complicated, as you have to take the board out pivot-end first.
No easy answers!
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
How about:
Attach a bob weight to a thin line (bit of tube, bolt, steel, lead). Something that's slim enough to drop down the hole from the deck to underwater.
I'm not familiar with the route the line takes on an M so I don't know if this is feasible.
Don't forget to put a stopper knot in this line !
Put a small weight in the middle of another long line so it's free to slide.
Drop a loop of the line over the stern and walk it forward, keeping it close up to the hull until it is in contact with the dagger board.
Now walk one end right round the bow, keeping it taught and back to midships where the other end is.
You should now be able to slacken both ends until the loop drops off the dagger board and it will come back up
Hopefully bringing the end of the lost line and your bob weight line with it.
If you're alongside it will be easier to grab the ends as they're brought up.
Sew, tape or heatshrink the two ends together and draw the old line back up.
Put a stopper knot back in it !
Buy beers for the various helpers you will need to pull this off.
Or
Offer lots of Beers to a Diver.
(Sorry Hythe's a bit far)
Dave.
Dave Newton Sailbadthesinner
Just re read and wondered if you have a 26M (Daggerboard) or 26X (Centreboard)?
Either way the above might work (If you've been very good in a past life).
Good luck
Dave.
Dave Newton Sailbadthesinner
It’s a 26X, Dave. And has a centreboard which, I gather, is unlikely to have escaped.
Many thanks snd all the best
stu